What we learnt from the Thursday press conference in Italy – PART 2

Since its debut in 2016, Haas has been working hard to ensure it remains a competitive midfield team going into 2017.

Despite a few hiccups here and there, Grosjean is confident that the American team is making progress.

“I think it’s progress,” the Frenchman spoke.

“Last year we scored most of our points in the first two races and then we struggled a little bit to get them but this year we’ve been a bit more consistent.

“We still need to improve that aspect, clearly, because there are a few races where we were fighting at the front like Austria or Belgium but some other races like Budapest where we were really struggling.

“It’s all part of the learning curve, we have only a year and a half experience but I think we are much stronger in year two than we were in year one.”

2. Renault is working hard to ensure that Nico Hulkenberg repeats his recent strong showings

After Cyril Abiteboul described Hulkenberg’s car as the ‘fourth fastest’ in Formula 1 at Spa, Renault are working hard to ensure it remains this way.

“It will take more hard work and more of the same of what we’re doing,” Hulkenberg said.

“Obviously we had three races in a row where we were the fourth fastest team so that’s pretty good. The team is working extremely hard.

“Every weekend we have new bits arriving but it’s all in the detail so you can just feel the package coming together, better and better. That allows me to push harder, build my confidence. Just a nice feeling overall.”

3. Carlos Sainz is happy being a part of the Red Bull family

As Formula 1 is currently in their traditional ‘silly season’, with rumours rife about where drivers could go next season, Sainz has reinstated his trust in the Red Bull Racing family.

In the press conference it was suggested that Sainz could move to Renault, however the Spaniard dismissed this suggestion.

“I think I was very clear after Austria what I want and I want of my future,” Sainz stated.

“I have full trust in Red Bull that they’re going to do the right thing for me. It’s all in their hands.

“I have full trust in them, they’ve always done the right thing for me in my career and I hope it goes like that.”

4. All three drivers confirmed updates for their cars for Monza

Grosjean reported that his car will be sporting a new rear wing, and Hulkenberg will be testing the floor on his car on Friday, whilst Sainz won’t be trying anything new.